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FIELD CoLuMBIAN MuSEUM 


PUBLICATION 104. 


ZOOLOGICAL SERIES. VoL. VII, No. 1. 


AN ANNOTATED LIST OF A COLLECTION 
OF  REPLILES: -ROM SOUTHERN 
CALIFORNIA AND NORTHERN 
LOWER CALIFORNIA. 


BY 


SetH EuGceneE Meek, Ph. D. 


Assistant Curator of Department. 


DG A EcLiofo Fr ReS. Bs. 


Curator of Department. 


Carcaco, U. S. A. 


November, 1905. 


ANNOTATED LIST OF A COLLECTION OF REPTILES FROM 
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND NORTHERN LOWER 
CALIFORNIA. 


By SETH EUGENE MEEK, Ph. D. 


The following paper is based on a collection of Reptiles obtained 
by Mr. Edmund Heller in southern California and northern Lower 
California. A very complete account of the region in question, 
accompanied by maps, is given by Professor D. G. Elliot in his papers* 
on the Mammals collected by Mr. Heller in this same area. Mr. 
Heller has furnished the writer valuable field notes, which have here 
been incorporated; these notes are indicated by quotation marks. 

I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to Dr. L. Stejneger, 
Curator of Reptiles in the U. S. National Museum, for assistance in 
identifying a large portion of this collection. 

One species of Crotalus, from Tombstone, Arizona, is also described 
as new in this paper. 


Family Testudinidze. 


Clemmys marmorata (Baird & Girard). Pacrric TERRAPIN. 
“This species is not rare in ponds along the Mojave River.’”’ No 
specimens were secured. 


: Gopherus agassizii (Cooper). Desert Torrolse. 

Six specimens of this species were secured north of Daggett, in the 
Calico mining district. ‘‘They had apparently just emerged from 
their winter hibernation, some being taken within a few feet of their 
burrows. The burrows were usually made in light, gravelly soil, in 
« which they were sunk obliquely to a depth of about two feet. In 
. this locality (2,500 to 3,500 feet altitude) they were found on a 
.c peculiar slate-colored soil in the lower part of the tree yucca zone. 
~ Soon after a shower they are said to be usually common, but during 

the hottest months, when most of the vegetation is dormant, they 
retreat to their burrows and hibernate.” 


*Field Col. Mus. Pub. Zool. Ser. Vol. III, 199-206, 271-283. 
3 


=(eld Mes 


4 Fretp CoLUMBIAN MusEUM 


Family Kublepharide. 


Coleonyx variegatus (Baird). BANpEp GEcKO. 
One specimen of this species was secured at San Felipe, Lower 
California. 


Family Iguanide. 


Dipsosaurus dorsalis (Baird & Girard). CrResTED Lizarp. 

“This lizard is very common about the sand dunes in Death Val- 
ley, where it lives in burrows beneath the stems of mesquite. It 
is often seen on the stems of the mesquite, eating the foliage. 
This lizard was very abundant in mesquite thickets at the base of the 
Panamint Mountains. It is apparently scarce in Lower California, 
all of the individuals seen there were taken.’ 

Specimens were taken in California at Furnace Creek, Mesquite 
Valley, Ballarat, and Daggett, and in Lower California at San Felipe 
Bay. 


Uma notata Baird. Sanp Lizarp.  Puare I. 

Uma notata* Baird is based on a small specimen from the “‘ Mojave 
Desert.’”’ The description given by Baird is very short, and this, 
supplemented by Cope in his work on North American Reptilest, is 
rather unsatisfactory. The specimens in the collection studied by me 
agree fairly well with the above brief accounts of this species, except 
in the number of femoral pores. The number of these vary greatly. 
The main row has from 23 to 31, while in many specimens there is a 
partial second row, which usually contains from 1 to 6 additional 
pores. Professor Cope gives 17 or 18 in the type. I here append a 
detailed description of the species, based on the material at hand, 
and also a table of measurements. It is hoped this will aid some 
in properly defining the species of this interesting and little-known 
group. 

Body rather broad, depressed, its greatest width 2% to 2% in its 
length; tail broad and depressed, the depressed arm not quite 
reaching groin; the depressed leg reaches beyond gular fold to ear or 
eye; occipital plate small, subtriangular, and separated from the 
small plates of the supraocular region by four or five rows of scales; 


*Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., 1858, 257. 
TRep. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1898, 277. 


Table of Measurements (in 


mm.) of Uma ornata Baird. 


SEX. ) ) ) ) ) ) 2 2 2 2 ) = 
Lefigth of body..2.22. 0ivce. soace sf OG 4 SIZE ALTO [SASS TPO 4- Od ce ee asO-) 90:0 1-76.85} 69.0. | 58.5° | 64.5- | 64.0 
Benet ok tails. Fie, os ceed Bh town SER ER Aw aha se | eed eal OR br A ODER: AFRO: los baie a FEO 1 5O.0) | FEO. |eiseess 
Snout Gerd ce oes 18.8 20.5 2096! NEI Se sky. 5 18.5 16.07 ESI 1 1560- (-I6.0. | 5403 rh. 3 14.6 
Width Of hea@i ee oS ee ciieecd ALO 17.8 TSs0>4 | 51535 15.5 16:0. 1-15.0 .| 33.0 4052-41355 | L26S5 ob ekS 650. {128 
SNout to OChipitalss 2 oars. a ead ok gd 16,1 Wy de 5 Wie ACTS aR 116.0, |) tas [136.1 1320 | 13-0 |.12.4 | 13.0 | 12.3 
Length, of arm 2592503660000 000s. BQO 42.5 SEE Re Ore dO Oa" 37 23 TES arOr 32700 cosAvO | 30-0s-,|'-20500 1690.07 402755 
Length of leg. son, efi tbeves .} O00 70.0 68.0 | 63.5 | 59.7 | 62.4 | 56.4 | 52.8 | 52.6 | 49.5 | 44.5 44.0 45.4 
Length Of tibia eis J oveiciy ets Sas ah 26.4 30.0 26.85 FORO 1 260.6) 2°26 8 1 220g) OPO ee) O68 UO Ct ee ri Se 
Base of fifth toe to end of fourth toe.| 26.0 26.0 2752-91. 98.0 1 2hvee 1 2020.1 22.2) 28.0 0 21.4 1 280, [IG.O. ate Age 
Femoral pores, main row...........| 30.27 | 29.29 | 27.31 | 26.25 | 26.27 | 29.30 | 25.31 | 28.26 | 29.32 | 23.27 | 25.28 | 28.29 | 30.28 
Femoral pores, additional row......| 0.0 5.2 O.I 2.0 B.S 5.6 432 4.3 212 0.0 3.2 3.0 4.6 
Bade mnder tan. i. ss avec dees 5 ATEN ISAL'S widiasatale 8 eheidiereceda v4 7 5 7 Se ocr 5 3 5 ae Reta 
Spots behind femoral pores.........| absent | present | absent |present| absent | absent] present|present|present| absent | absent |present/absent 


i 


6 FIELD CoLUMBIAN MusEUM 


plates on anterior third of head larger than those of supraocular and 
parietal regions; three canthal scales, the first one very small, the 
second largest; six scales forming a suborbital ridge, the fourth much 
the largest, the anterior scale of this ridge being separated from the 
labials by five or six rows of small scales, the fourth scale by two 
rows; superior labials nine, inferior twelve or thirteen; the first five 
labials margined by a row of flat scales much larger than those on 
throat, a second row of large scales between this row and labials 
posterior to fifth labial; scales on the anterior surface of humerus 
large, pointed but not keeled; scales of throat and just back of gular 
fold smaller than the others on under-surface of the head; scales on 
margin of gular fold slightly enlarged; eyelids margined with scale- 
like: processes, and covered with minute scales; anterior margin of 
femur and under surface of tibia with enlarged scales; scales anterior 
to femoral pores larger than those posterior; free scales forming the 
fringe, external side of sole and on fourth toe, larger than those on 
second and third toes, those on first and fifth toes minute; scales on 
dorsal region small and rounded, those on belly flat and larger; lateral 
scales smallest; anterior margin of the ear with narrow elongated 
scales; scales on tail similar to those on body, becoming larger pos- 
teriorly; males with enlarged post anal scales. 

Color light reticulated with black, forming circles or ellipses on 
the center of dorsal region, with a brown spot in the center of each; 
sides and head spotted with brown and black, under surface of head 
white with black spots, usually forming three rows on each side, 
and extending backwards, meeting in the center; throat with two 
black crescents; a black lateral blotch, and a small black blotch 
occasionally on each side just behind the inner femoral pores; under 
surface of tail with from three to seven black spots. 

Below is given by Mr. Heller the coloration in life of an old male. 
“Above creamy white blotched with irregular black blotches form- 
ing occelated spots with black centers, the black marking every- 
where edged with ferruginous; anterior part of nape and occiput 
without occellations, the dark spots becoming brownish; head above 
light brownish, banded irregularly with dusky; tail above brownish 
color without occellations, anteriorly marked with black reticula- 
tions, posteriorly with rusty markings extending along median line to 
the tip; forelegs spotted above with black and rusty on a brownish 
clay ground, the spots becoming obsolete on the phalanges; hind legs 
light brownish, clay spotted, with rusty on thighs; distally spotted 
with dusky; sides of head spotted like nape; the sides of body with 
a large median inky black spot; two similar spots before the hind 


REPTILES FROM So. CaLir. AND L. CaLtir.—MEEK 7 


leg; thigh anteriorly light olive, becoming golden distally; beneath 
thigh at base of tail a small black spot margined with golden; posterior 
part of thigh spotted with golden olive; sides of tail golden yellow; 
tip of chin rusty, forethroat dusky banded on whitish ground; throat 
barred with black; fore part of chest behind collar spotted with olive 
and blackish; belly and chest whitish; hind legs beneath the same, 
with light olive wash; a blackish blotch posterior to beginning of 
femoral pores on each side, tail below like the thighs, near the tip 
crossed by a few black bars.”’ 

‘“‘This species was taken only in the drifting sand areas of the bed 
of the Mojave River, where it is acommon form. It has the peculiar 
habit of burying itself in the sand when pursued. The peculiar 
fringe of scales along the toes evidently serves to give the lizard 
sufficient speed over the loose sand to force its body beneath the sur- 
face. The sharp depresssed snout is evidently another modification 
to aid it in getting beneath the sand. Usually the entire body is 
buried, but occasionally the tip of the tail protrudes. Their peculiar 
mottled coloration does not render them protectively colored on the 
white sand, but their peculiar mode of eluding pursuers renders this 
unnecessary, and at the same time limits them to areas covered by 
fine drifting sand. 

“The food of this species consists largely of the leaves of a for- 
get-me-not (Cryptonthe), which is abundant among the sand dunes. 
The young leaves of the desert willow (Chilopsis) are also eaten. 

-The insect food consists of caterpillars, ants, bees, etc. One speci- . 
men was seen several feet up on an oblique limb of a desert willow, 
in search of the young leaves which were just budding.’ 

Specimens were secured at Daggett, California. 


Callisaurus ventralis (Hallowell). GRripDIRON-TAILED LIZARD. 

“This is one of the most abundant species in southeastern Cali- 
fornia and the eastern half of the northern portion of Lower Cali- 
fornia. At San Felipe, Lower California, it was the most abundant 
lizard observed. This species inhabits dry, sandy regions. It was 
very abundant on the floor of Death Valley, in sandy washes, and 
on sandy mesas in the deserts, and in the mouths of cafions at the 
base of the Inyo and Panamint Mountains.” 

Specimens were secured at the following localities: Keeler, Emi- 
grant Cafion, Mesquite Valley, Furnace Creek, Ballarat, Lone Willow 
Springs, Pilot Knob, Lanes Mill, Owens Lake and Daggett, Cali- 
fornia; Trinidad, San Matias, San Felipe, Cafion Esperanza, San 
Antonio, Matomi, and Aguas Escondita, Lower California. 


8 FIELD CoLUMBIAN MusEUM 


Crotaphytus baileyi Stejneger. Baritey’s Lizarp. 

“This lizard is very common on rocky ground in southeastern 
California and south into Lower California to the foothills near San 
Felipe Bay. It was also observed in Lower California at Trinidad and 
Cafion Esperanza. In the Panamint Mountains it was common 
everywhere in rocky ground from 2,000 to 8,000 feet, although on 
the east slope it was not observed below 4,000 feet. In the Inyo 
Mountains this species was occasionally seen from the base to over 
8,000 feet. Those at 8,000 feet were more grayish and smaller than 
the ones living at lower elevations.”’ 

In all of the specimens taken there are two rows of scales between 
the supraorbitals. This species varies much in color. Some are 
profusely spotted with white, others have very few spots. The 
young usually have prominent white bars across the back, while in 
adults from the same locality these bars are quite indistinct. Owing 
to the constancy of the two rows of scales between the supraorbitals, 
I follow Dr. Stejneger in using the name proposed by him for this 
lizard. 

Specimens were secured at the following localities: Beveridge 
Cafion, Coso Valley, Shepherd Cafon, Emigrant Cafion, Wild Rose 
Springs, and Hannopee Cafion, California; San Felipe and San 
Salado, Lower California: In the collections of the Museum are 
specimens from Winslow and Tombstone, Arizona, and Grand Junc- 
tion, Colorado. These, with one exception (one from Winslow, 
Arizona), have the two rows of scales between the supraocular. In. 
the exception there is but one scale, which extends across this space. 
This is probably the accidental fusing of two scales. 


Crotaphytus wislizenii Baird & Girard. Lroparp Lizarp. 

“This species is more active and wary than the preceding, with 
which it is usually associated, though much less abundant. It was 
not observed at a higher altitude than 7,000 feet. One individual 
was seen in Lockwood Valley at 5,000 feet, and one in Cuddy Cajion 
lower down. These places are near Ft. Tejon.’’ Two specimens were 
taken at Owens Lake, California. 

In the young the light bars on the back are more prominent, and 
at this stage they much resemble the following species. In life the 
lighter colors are red or are deeply tinged with that color. 

“The food of this species consists largely of smaller lizards, chiefly 
species of Uta and Cnemidophorus.”’ 

Specimens were secured at the following places: Coso Valley, 
Emigrant Cafion, Furnace Creek, Wild Rose Springs, Coal Kilns, 


REPTILES FROM So. CaLir. AND L. Catir.—MEEkK 9 


Lone Willow Springs, Pilot Knob, and Lanes Mill, California; San 
Quentin, Lower California. 


Crotaphytus silus Stejneger. SHORT-NOSED LEOPARD Lizarp. 

“Common in the San Joaquin Valley nozth of Rose Station, 
where they are found living in abandoned burrows of the Kangaroo- 
rat, Perodipus. They do not leave the level floor of the valley, but 
extend to the base of the hills near the mouth of the Cajon de las 
Uvas. The species is very wary, which is doubtless due to the open 
and exposed nature of their habitat. All the stomachs examined 
contained grasshoppers. 

The adults in life were bright lemon yellow on the belly and under 
surfaces of the limbs and tail. Above they were cross-barred like 
the young of C. wislizenit, of which their coloration is probably an 
arrested stage.” 

The throat of this species contains much less black than that of 
the preceding. There is usually in the center a longitudinal dark 
stripe with a few irregular elongated blotches on each side. On the 
throat of C. baileyi the black is arranged in several longitudinal bands. 

Specimens in the collection were secured at Rose Station, Cali- 
fornia. 


Sauromalus ater Duméril. ALDERMAN LizaRD. CHUCK-WALLA. 

“This is the largest lizard native to the State of California. It is 
reported to be common in mid-summer in the rocky cajions of the 
mountains near Daggett, and in the rocky cajfions entering Death 
Valley. This species is common in the Panamint and Inyo moun- 
tains, from their bases to about 6,000 feet. It is much sought for by 
the Panamint Indians for food. Their method of hunting them 
consists of searching the cracks in cliffs, from which retreats they are 
secured by means of a wire hook inserted in their bodies. It probably 
nowhere exceeds an altitude of over 6,000 feet. 

“This species is reported to occur in the summer in the desert 
ranges of the northern part of Lower California.” 

One specimen was taken at Beveridge Cafion, one at Furnace 
Creek, and two in Hannopee Cajion, California. 


Uta mearnsi Stejneger. MEARNS’ Lizarp. 

This species is quite plentiful in the northern portion of Lower 
California. Specimens were collected at the following localities: 
San Salado, San Matias, Cafion Esperanza, Parral, and Matomi, 
Lower California. 


Io FIELD CoLUMBIAN MusEUM 


Uta graciosa (Hallowell). LoNnG-TAILEpD Uta. 

“This rare species was observed only on trees and bushes at San 
Felipe, Lower California, where four specimens were taken. 3 This 
lizard apparently does not have a wide range.” 


Uta stansburiana Baird & Girard. BROWN-SHOULDERED LIZARD. 

This extremely variable lizard is very generally distributed in 
southeastern California and northern Lower California. ‘“‘In the 
Panamint and Inyo mountains it was found at an altitude of 8,000 
feet. It is also abundant in the San Joaquin Valley, and in the 
mountains about Ft. Tejon, reaching on Mt. Pifios an altitude of 
6,000 feet. This species appears to be at home in river washes, on 
sandy soil, and on rocky ground. The color ranges from a dark blue 
to a light gray, all being more or less profusely spotted with white. 
In general, those taken on sandy soil are the lighest in color.” 

Specimens of this species were taken in the following named places: 
Mesquite Valley, Beveridge Cafion, Coso Valley, Furnace Creek, 
Ballarat, Coal Kilns, Lone Willow Springs, Pilot Knob, Daggett, 
Mt. Pifios, Piru Creek, Ft. Tejon, California; Hansons Lagoon, El 
Alamo, San Salado Cafion, Trinidad, San Matias, Cafion Esperanza, 
Agua de las Fresas, San Felipe, San Antonio, Santa Rosa, Parral, 
Matomi, and San Quentin, Lower California. : 


Uta microscutata Van Denburgh. SMALL-scALED UTA. 

This species is rather common in the northern portion of Lower 
California. The specimens in the collection vary from nearly a uni- 
form blue black to a gray, belly usually blue with a few white spots 
on the margins. 

They were taken as follows: San Salado Cafion, San Matias, 
Cafion Esperanza, San Antonio, Parral, San Quentin, and Rosarito, 
Lower California. 


Sceloporus magister Hallowell. Scary Lizarp. 

This is the largest species of the genus included in this paper. 
The length from tip of snout to vent is about 100 mm. 

“This species is common on rocky ledges and trunks of yuccas in 
southeastern California. In the Panamint Mountains it is found at 
an altitude of 7,500 feet.”’ 

Specimens were secured in the following localities: Lone Pine, 
Emigrant Cafion, Coal Kilns, Lone Willow Springs, Pilot Knob, 
Little Owens’ Lake, and Lanes Mill, California. ‘‘A few individuals 
were seen on yuccas in Antelope Valley near Manzana.”’ 


REPTILES FROM So. CALIF. AND L. Ca.tir.—MEEK II 


Sceloporus zosteromus Cope. 

This large lizard is apparently distributed throughout the entire 
peninsula of Lower California. This species resembles the preceding 
and may prove to be only a variety of that species. Sceloporus clarkui 
B & G, which does not occur in the region under discussion, is quite 
distinct from either. From my study of the material of this group in 
the museum I am led to accept the views of Dr. Stejneger.* 

Specimens of this species were taken in the following localities: 
San Jose, Matomi, Rosarito, and San Quentin, Lower California. 


Sceloporus orcutti Stejneger. Dusky Scary Lizarp. 

This lizard is common in the northern part of Lower California, 
where it attains about the same size as does S. zosteromus. 

It was also observed by Mr. Heller to be quite common at Los 
Encinos, Lower California. 

Specimens were secured at the following localities: San Salado 
Cafion, Trinidad, San Matias, Agua de las Fresas, Cafion Esperanza, 
Patral, Matomi, Rosarito, and San Antonio, Lower California. 


Sceloporus biseriatus Hallowell. Fence Lizarp. 

This very variable and widely distributed species is quite as 
abundant as any of the genus in the region treated of in this paper. 
“It is usually found on trees or shrubs, frequently at an altitude of 
8,000 feet.” 

Specimens were secured at the following places: Beveridge Cafion, 
Lone Pine, Hot Springs, Coso Valley, Coal Kilns, Hannopee Cafion, 
Wild Rose Springs, Piru Creek, and Ft. Tejon, California; Hansons 
Lagoon, Trinidad, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Rosarito Divide, and San 
Antonio, Lower California. 

This species was also seen by Mr. Heller at Santa Tomas and Los 
Encinos, Lower California. 


Sceloporus graciosus Baird & Girard. Mountain Lizarp. 

This species has a considerable vertical range. ‘‘It was seen on 
Telescope Peak at an altitude of 10,500 feet. In the Inyo Mountains 
it was abundant on granite boulders and in sage brush at from 7,000 
to 8,500 feet. A few were seen at Ramshaw Meadows at 9,000 feet, 
and in Lockwood Valley near Ft. Tejon.”’ 

Specimens were secured at the following localities: Beveridge 
Cafion, Coal Kilns, Hot Springs, and Telescope Peak, California; 
Agua de las Fresas, Vallecitos, and La Grulla, Lower California. 


*N. A. Fauna, No. 7, 178. 


I2 FIELD CoLUMBIAN MusEUM 


Phrynosoma Dlainvillii Gray. BLAINvILLE’s HORNED Toap. 
A few specimens of this species were secured at Neenach and Mt. 
Pinos, California, and, Trinidad and San Salado, Lower California. 


Phrynosoma frontale Van Denburgh. 

One specimen from Rose Station, California. A horned toad, 
probably this species was observed to be common in Lockwood 
Valley. These were a peculiar wood-brown above, with the under 
surfaces bright chrome yellow in life.” 


Phrynosoma platyrhinus Girard. DEsERT HORNED Toap. 

This species is more abundantly distributed over Southern Cali- 
fornia than any other member of the genus. “It is usually found in 
the desert where the surface is stony, gravelly, or sandy. In the 
Panamint Mountains it was found at the base to about 7,000 feet. 

Specimens of the desert horned toad were taken in the’following 
places: Mesquite Valley, Coso Valley, Furnace Creek, Wild Rose 
Springs, Coal Kilns, Pilot Knob, Antelope Valley, and Ballarat, Cali- 
fornia; San Felipe, Lower California. 

“This species was found to be quite abundant at Palm Springs, 
Lone Willow Springs, and on the gravelly washes and mesas through- 
out Death Valley.”’ 


Phrynosoma coronatum (Blainville). 
One specimen from San Quentin, Lower California. 


Family Anguidee. 


Gerrhonotus scincicauda (Skilton). ALLIGATOR LIZARD. 
A few specimens of this species were secured near Ft. Tejon, and 
Piru Creek, California, and at San Antonio, Lower California. 


Gerrhonotus palmeri Stejneger. Mountain ALLIGATOR LIZARD. 
Apparently not common, “generally found along creeks or in dry 
meadows. A few were seen near Lone Pine, at an altitude of 9,000 
feet.”’ 
A few specimens were secured at Hot Springs, California. 


REPTILES FROM So. CaLir. AND L. CaLtir.—MEEK 13 


Family Anniellidz. 


Anniella pulchra Gray. Sitvery Foor.ess Lizarp. 
One specimen of this species was taken at San Salado Cafion and 
one at San Jose in Lower California. 


Family Kantusiide. 


Xantusia vigilis Baird. DrEsert Nicut Lizarp. 

“This species is found beneath the prostrate limbs of the vucca 
tree (Yucca arborescens) in the Mojave Valley. In Lower California, 
at San Matias Pass, it inhabits the fallen trunks of a smaller yucca 
tree. This species was also observed beneath the prostrate limbs of 
tree yuccas in the Antelope Valley, and at Piru Creek about the tree 
yuccas on the east slope of the Inyo Mountains.” 

Specimens were secured at Lanes Mill, Piru Creek, Neenach, and 
Mojave, California. 


Family Teiidee. 


Cnemidophorus tigris Baird & Girard. DESERT WHIPTAIL. 


This species is very abundant in the southeastern part of Cali- 
fornia. ‘It is found on the desert and on the mountain sides to the 
lower edge of the Pifion zone.”’ Individuals of this species living in 
sandy regions are much lighter in color than those living in the 
mountains. The under surface of the light-colored ones is nearly 
white, no spots on the chin, and the black or dark blue of the belly 
being in blotches on its anterior half. The under surface of some of 
the darker specimens is nearly a uniform blue, with scarcely any 
trace of spots. All grades are found between these two extremes. 
The color of the dorsal region varies greatly. On the young are six 
longitudinal white lines, later white spots form between these lines. 
These spots increase in size until they extend to the light lines, and 
thus are formed irregular, narrow, dark cross bars, the lines becoming 
later quite or entirely obliterated. Most of the species of this genus 
undergo a similar change. The result is that species have been 
unduly multiplied. Professor Cope noted this change in color pattern 


14 Fietp CoLumBIAN MUSEUM 


and regarded it not due to age, because all specimens having the same 
color pattern were not of equal size. 

In this connection it must be remembered that cold-blooded ani- 
mals do not, in general, grow as uniformly as do warm-blooded ones, 
and so two lizards of the same age may differ greatly in size. The 
color pattern of a particular stage may also develop quite indepen- 
dently of age. About all we can say in this connection is that one 
particular pattern appears before another certain one does, and that 
the earlier pattern is usually associated with the smaller individuals. 
This genus of lizards is badly in need of careful revision, but this can 
not be accomplished except with a large series of various ages of each 
species. 

Specimens of this species were secured in the following localities: 
Mesquite Valley, Beveridge Cafion, Lone Pine, Keeler, Coso Valley, 
Emigrant Cafion, Furnace Creek, Wild Rose Springs, Ballarat, and 
Lone Willow Springs, California. 


Onemidophorus stejnegeri VanDenburgh. STEJNEGER’s WHIPTAIL. 
This species much resembles the preceding, and I am inclined to 
believe that it is only a geographical variety, but until this is proven 
to be the case, I recognize it as a distinct species. 
Specimens were taken in the following localities: Trinidad, San 
Matias, San Felipe, Cafion Esperanza, San Antonio, Parral, Matomi, 
Rosarito, and Aguas Escondito, Lower California. 


Verticaria sericea VanDenburgh. ORANGE-THROAT. 
A few specimens of this species were taken at San Salado, 
Rosarito, Aguas Escondito, and San Antonio, Lower California. 


Family Colubridee. 


Chilomeniscus fasciatus Cope. BuRROWING SNAKE. 

Two specimens of this species were secured, as follows: San Quen- 
tin, Lower California,—scales 13-125-25; upper labials 7; black rings 
23-5; spaces between rings red in life; some of the black rings com- 
plete though narrow on ventral surface; length of body 17omm.; 
tail 28mm. San Antonio, Lower California,—scales 13-120-21; black 
rings 22-5; length of body 175mm.; tail 23mm. 


REPTILES FROM So. CALir. AND L. CaLir.—MEEK 15 


Chioractis occipitalis (Hallowell). DrsrerT SNAKE. 
One specimen from Owens Lake, California,—scales 15-162-42: 
length of body 197mm.; tail 4omm. 


Lampropeltis zonata (Blainville). CALIFORNIA KING SNAKE. 

One specimen of this species, the only one seen, was taken near 
Hot Springs, California, altitude 8,000 feet. Scales 23-222-65; 
length of body 660mm.; tail 115mm. : 


Lampropeltis boylii (Baird & Girard). BoyLr’s MILK SNAKE. 

An apparently not common species. A few specimens of this snake 
were secured, as follows: Wild Rose Springs, California,—scales 23- 
251-56; lengthof body 789mm.; tail ro8mm. Beveridge Cafion, Lower 
California,—scales 23-250-53; length of body 681mm.; tail 96mm. 
San Salado Carion, Lower California,—scales 23-251-61; length of body 
g18mm.; tailr34mm. San Quentin, Lower California,—scales 23-254-? 
and scales 23-256-?. 


Salvadora grahamize Baird & Girard. PaTCHED-NOSED SNAKE. 

One specimen of this species was secured at San Matias, Lower 
California. Preocculars 2; post-occulars 2; temporals 2-3, superior 
labials 9-11; scales 17-123-82; length of body 351mm.; tail 103mm. 


Bascanium flagellum Shaw. Wutip SNAKE. 

“Common on the dry mesas flanking the mountains.” A very 
variable and widely distributed species. Specimens were secured as 
follows: Furnace Creek, California,—scales 17-194-111; length of body 
4o1mm.; tail 2t5mm. Joruncho Ranch, Lower California,—scales 
17-194-110,; length of body g90mm.; tail 373mm. San Quentin, 
Lower California,—scales 17-194-110,; length of body 883mm.; tail 
351mm. Rosarito, Lower California,—scales 17-196-124; length of 
body 750mm.; tail317mm. Parral, Lower California,—scales 17-199-?. 


Pityophis catenifer (Blainville). WrsteERN GOPHER SNAKE. 

“This species was found to be common about ranches, being 
distributed over the area included in this paper. At Lone Willow 
Springs one specimen was taken from the nest of a Neotoma and 
another one from the burrow of Spermophilus leucurus.’”’ Specimens 
of this species were secured, as follows: Wild Rose Springs, California,— 
scales 33-261-57; length of body 1,13s5mm.; tail 156mm.; four pre- 
frontals,—scales 31-245-65; length of body 1,038mm.; tail 152mm. ; 


16 FieELD CoLUMBIAN MusEUM 


four prefrontals. Lone Willow Springs, California,—scales 33-253-64; 
length of body 1,o14mm.; tail 154mm.; four prefrontals,—scales 
33-253-62; length of body 1,045mm.; tail 161mm.; four prefrontals, 
the two inner smaller than outer ones and not in contact with frontal. 
Coso Valley, California,—scales 31-247-57; length of body 1,122mm.; 
tail 148mm.; four prefrontals, the middle suture extending a short 
distance on frontal. Rose Station, California,—scales 33-224-56; 
length of body 728mm.; tail 131mm.; four prefrontals. Trinidad, 
Lower California,—scales 33-238-62; length of body 1,o15mm.; tail 
149mm.; prefrontals two, each partially divided anteriorly by a 
suture. 

This is a very variable species. I have compared the specimens 
listed above with others from the west slope of the Sierras, and regard 
all as belonging to one species. 


Family Crotalidz. 


Although the area included in this paper contains several species 
of rattlesnakes, “‘not all were taken, because they are nocturnal, and 
could not be found in the daytime. During warm nights they were 
quite active, and their tracks were quite abundant.” 


Crotalus tigris Kennicott. TiGeER RATTLESNAKE. 

‘The tiger rattlesnake is common in the sand dunes and in sandy 
places at the heads of cafions in southeastern California, ascending 
the east slope of the Sierras to about 6,000 feet. In the Inyo Moun- 
tains it occurs at 8,000 feet. Those taken in sandy places are lighter 
in color than when taken elsewhere. In sandy places this rattlesnake 
has the habit of worming out shallow depressions, in which they 
repose flush with the surface, which makes them difficult to see on 
account of their protective coloration.’ Specimens of this species 
were secured, as follows: Beveridge Cation, California,—scales 23-183-25 ;. 
length of body 688mm.; tail 48.1mm. Lone Pine, California,—scales 
23-178-20; length of body, 515mm., tail, 35.2mm. Wild Rose Springs,— 
scales 23-181-19; length of body 625mm. ; tail 46mm.,——scales 25-174-26;. 
length of body 708mm. ; tail 56mm.,—scales 23-177-24; length of body 
707mm.; tail, 53mm.,—scales 25-170-24; length of body, 750mm., tail. 
58mm.—scales 23-180-26: length of body 716mm.; tail 56mm. Coso 
Valley, California,—scales 23-176-21; length of body 618mm.; tail 
35-2mm.,—scales 23-167-26: length of body 642mm.; tail 55.7 mm. 


REPTILES FROM So. Cair. AND L. CaLir.—MEEK zy 


Crotalus lucifer Baird & Girard. Paciric RATTLESNAKE. 

“One specimen taken near Mojave, California, far out on the 
desert, where it was apparently a straggler.”” Scales 25-178-28; 
length of body 860mm.; tail 75.6mm. A second specimen was taken 
on Mt. Whitney (8000 feet), California,—scales 25-189; length of body 
878mm.; tail 60.8mm. A third near Ft. Tejon,—scales 25-172-20; 
length of body 263mm.; tail 20mm. 


Crotalus ruber (Cope). WrsTERN DIAMOND RATTLESNAKE. 

“This rattlesnake is very common at the base of the San Matias 
Mountains in Lower California.’”’ Specimens were secured in this 
region as follows: San Salado Cafion, Lower California,—scales 
29-203-27; length of body 989mm.; tail 76mm. San Matias, Lower 
California,—scales 27-195-27; length of body 936mm,; tail 71.1mm.— 
scales 27-194-27; length of body 881mm.; tail 53.4mm. Santa 
Catalina, Lower California,—scales 27-205-26; length of body 379mm. ; 
tail 49mm. Agua Escondito, Lower California,—scales 27-188-26; 
length of body g910omm.; tail 65mm. Matomi, Lower California, 
—-scales 29-201-26; length of body g60mm.; tail60mm. San Quentin, 
Lower California,—scales 29-185-27; length of body 1,160mm.; tail 
96mm. 


Crotalus helleri sp. nov. Pare II. 

Type No. 1272, from San Jose, Lower California. Scales 25- 
173-25; length of body 957mm.; tail 61mm; first pair of lower labials 
meeting in front of geneials; scales on top of snout larger than on 
top of rest of head; seven scales between supraoculars; preoculars 
not divided vertically. 

Ground color of body very dark, dark blotches on back separated 
by narrow yellow lines, forming a chain along back, being obscure 
on anterior third of body and becoming light cross streaks on 
posterior fifth; a light line one scale wide from middle of eye to 
eighth upper labial extending backward to angle of mouth covering 
the labials and a small portion of the row of scales just above them; 
tail a dark brown, with three light cross bands on anterior half; 
ventral. surface much mottled and blotched with dark brown; on 
anterior half of body the white predominates, on posterior half the 
darker. Six rattles. 

Three other specimens from same locality,—scales 23-171-23; 
length of body 784mm.; tail 53mm.—scales 25-174-20; length of body 
568mm.; tail 38mm.—scales 25-170-23; length of body 476mm.; 
tail 38mm. 


18 FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM 


This species is quite different from Crotalus atrox B & G, which 
it most resembles, in being much darker, in the indistinctness of the 
dorsal blotches, the dark mottled ventral surface, and in having a 
black tail crossed with light bands; the stripes on the side of the 
head are quite different. Named for Mr. Edmund Heller, its dis- 
coverer. 


Crotalus cerastes Hallowell. HorNED RATTLESNAKE: SIDEWINDER. 


“This species is rather common in the Colorado and Mojave 
deserts, but owing to its strictly nocturnal habits individuals are 
seldom seen. Many tracks were seen on the sand dunes in the Mes- 
quite Valley, but only two individuals were seen, both of which were 
captured. The sidewinder is common in northeastern Lower Cali- 
fornia, where it is confined to low gulf strip.” 

Specimens of this species were secured at the following localities: 
Mesquite Valley, California,—scales 21-150-21; length of body 457mm. ; 
tail, 38.1mm.,—scales 21-142-25; length of body 330mm.; tail 38.1mm 
Ballarat, California,—scales 21-148-18; length of body 417mm.; tail 
44.5mm.,—scales 23-140-24; length of body 238mm.; tail: 25.4mm. 
Daggett, California,—scales 21-141-25; length of body 266mm.; tail 
30.6mm. Oro Grande, California,—scales 23-143-17; length of body 
404mm.; tail 27.9mm. San Felipe, Lower California,—-scales 23-148-19 ; 
length of body 592mm.; tail 38.1mm. 


Crotalus mitchellii (Cope). BLEACHED RATTLESNAKE. 

Two specimens of this species were secured in Lower California, 
where it appears to be not very common. The smaller one has ten 
rattles, the larger six. 

Parral, Lower California,—scales 25-174-25; length of body 
744mm.; tail 60.9mm. San Matias, Lower California,—scales 
25-177-24; length of body 970omm.; tail 60.9mm. 


Crotalus willardi sp. nov. Pare III. 

One specimen, No. go2, from Tombstone, Arizona. Scales 
25-160-24, length of body 380mm.; tail 35mm.; head flat, the 
snout slightly elevated; rostral higher than wide in contact with the 
prenasals; scales on top of head small, the anterior ones slightly 
enlarged, and with their anterior edges elevated; preocular large, not 
divided vertically; scales in front of supraocular small; loreal single; 
supra labials 14; inferior labials 13; two rows of scales between 
supralabials and eye; eight rows of scales between supraocular plates; 


REPTILES FROM So. CaALir. AND L. Catir.——MEEK 19 


ten rows between their anterior angles; first three rows of scales with- 
out keels. 

Color light olive brown, more or less irregularly blotched with 
white; dorsal region crossed by nineteen lighter bands, each one scale 
length in width and narrowly margined with black; dorsal transverse 
bars about nine scale lengths apart; no transverse bands on tail; ven- 
tral surface much speckled and mottled with black, becoming darker 
posteriorly ; small black dots on sides, these most numerous near ven- 
tral region; supraocular light ash color; a large ashy blotch on 
occiput more or less reticulated posteriorly with darker; snout and 
region between supraoculars olive brown; a distinct white line one 
scale wide from upper edge of prenasal above pit to upper edge of 
seventh supralabial, passing obliquely downward to tenth supra- 
labial and backward covering the last four supralabials; a white line 
on lower half of first five supralabials, passing downward and back- 
ward on lower jaw to white on throat; the space between these bands 
brown; rostral with white median line. 

In general, this species bears some resemblance to Crotalus lepidus 
Kennicott. It differs in being light brown instead of greenish gray, 
and in having shorter transverse dorsal bars, which are much lighter 
than the ground color, instead of black cross bars, which are so 
characteristic of C. lepidus. 

Named for Professor F. C. Willard, of Tombstone, Arizona, its 
discoverer. 


FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM. ZOOLOGY, PLATE lI. 


UMA NOTATA Baird. 


LIBRARY 


OF THE 
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 


FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM. ZOOLOGY, PLATE Il. 


psp ate XM 252 


CROTALUS HELLERI Meek. 


LIBRARY 


OF THE 
UNIVERSi Ty OF ILLINOIS 


FIELD COLUMBIAN MUSEUM. ZOOLOGY, PLATE Ill. 


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a¥ Aes PN SAS x me ef -s. 


UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 


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